Things to do in Gulmarg
Things to do in Gulmarg
Gulmarg, meaning "Meadow of Flowers," sits in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas in Jammu & Kashmir and is one of Asia's premier ski destinations, receiving some of the deepest powder snow in the region. In winter it transforms into a world-class skiing and snowboarding resort, while summer reveals a breathtaking green meadow carpeted with wildflowers perfect for golfing, horse riding, and trekking. The Gondola cable car ride to Apharwat Peak offers jaw-dropping views of the Himalayan peaks, making Gulmarg a year-round paradise.
Adventure / Snow SportsView full guideHalf to full day
Skiing
Carve through world-class powder snow on Gulmarg's legendary runs — home to Asia's longest and highest ski runs reaching up to 4,200 m. The resort offers runs for all levels from the gentle slopes at Gulmarg base to the challenging off-piste powder fields of Apharwat Peak frequented by professional skiers.
Sightseeing / AdventureView full guide2–3 hours (both phases)
Gondola Ride
Ride Asia's second-highest and one of Asia's longest cable cars — the Gulmarg Gondola — in two phases: Phase 1 to Kongdori (3,080 m) with meadow and forest views, and Phase 2 to Apharwat Peak (3,980 m) for a jaw-dropping panorama of the Karakoram, Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), and surrounding Himalayan giants.
Adventure / Snow SportsView full guideHalf to full day
Snowboarding
Shred Gulmarg's pristine powder slopes on a snowboard — the resort's varied terrain from groomed pistes to off-piste backcountry makes it one of India's top snowboarding destinations. Rental equipment and snowboarding instructors are available at the ski resort.
Trekking / AdventureView full guide3–6 hours
Snow Trekking
Trek through snow-blanketed landscapes around Gulmarg — routes to Alpather Lake (frozen in winter), Ferozepur Nala, and the meadows around Gulmarg bowl offer stunning winter wilderness experiences with the towering backdrop of Apharwat and Nanga Parbat.
Adventure / Extreme SportsView full guideFull day
Heli-Skiing
Experience the ultimate skiing adventure — helicopter drops onto remote, untracked powder fields on high-altitude Himalayan glaciers around Gulmarg, followed by ski runs through pristine backcountry terrain inaccessible by any lift. Gulmarg is one of very few places in Asia offering genuine heli-skiing.
PhotographyView full guideThroughout your trip
Photography
Capture Gulmarg's stunning winter and spring landscapes — snow-draped firs, frozen meadows, the dramatic Apharwat range, golf course dusted with snow, wooden huts buried in snowdrifts, and the gorgeous floral meadows (May–June) carpeted with wildflowers when the snow retreats.